ζζε
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Everything posted by ζζε
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There is no mastery if the realm of relativity only because one's achievements are relative to the next person's. One can become very proficient, but mastery would entail no one else can contend; which is literally and relatively impossible.
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I usually don't share stuff like this but I thought it was kind of funny. Don't take me serious though...I could be joking hmmmm... Last night, 3 am after feeding baby, I saw a heavy mist befall the countryside. Visions of the Earth consumed by a light darkish energy manifested ( no need to worry, nothing crazy it happens all the times with all the living beings and their craziness.. hahaha). I contemplated, then set up a field to keep things at bay. In the morning, my wife tells me of her dreams of demons transforming into friends and relatives trying to get her. She recited Namo Amitabha, and they all disappeared. I smiled. Then I felt my vajra vibrating along with my jeweled sword hidden in my luggage, away from prying eyes. I took them out, and they were very very hot! And no we don't have adequate heating in our countryside home in China. lol Then... I laughed my butt off! hahahaha
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on the relative, discriminate level. I have one: Gooney Googoo!
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Hi Everyone, Has anyone noticed that when going to thetaobums site, recently it has been offline, and or updating? Yesterday I received messages while trying to visit the site which stated there were updates and or offline. This has happened the last 2 weeks since my return to China, so I want to be sure if its being temporarily blocked in the Mother Land and or if there are indeed updates being made... lol Peace, Lin
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Sean is a busy man! He runs a great forum you know. I remember its semi basic nature back in 2007. Then it was great, now...hahaha Okay, keep updating! Glad its not the GFC...(Great Firewall of China) hahahahahaha
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Great! I was a bit worried that it was being blocked in China. haha Every time I go to www.thetaobums.com the offline page comes up. But if I paste an address to one of the forum pages, it goes straight to the forum page and thus I can browse the rest of the site no problem.
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Willfully killing yourself with Phowa technique
ζζε replied to idiot_stimpy's topic in Buddhist Discussion
Also, there are ways to set up a field to protect your body so nothing gets in. Some can use talismans, or mentally projecting an energy field around the space of their body. BUT, that only protects the body. You need a safeguard for the mind, spirit, and thus reciting a Buddha's name, or a highly cultivated WISE being you have affinities with, who is without physical body. Sometimes highly cultivated beings that we have had communication with, and or affinities with will also be good. Yet, from my experience, relying on the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas no room for error on the part of when we call, who is really taking their form? Anywho, this is just a basic approach, but definitely important to consider. -
Willfully killing yourself with Phowa technique
ζζε replied to idiot_stimpy's topic in Buddhist Discussion
If the spirit exits and goes for a travel, the body will not die. The reason is in order to get ot that state, the mind had already been prepared for internal breathing. It happens naturally with this kind of practice. The body will remain in a state of internal breathing. Outside looks dead, inside is functioning slowly. If the spirit is half in half out, it requires the cultivator to do it again ,and apply techniques to guide back in. If it gets stuck in some realm, it requires the cultivator, and or someone else who understands how to gather the spirit. Thus a safeguard in doing this kind of practice is a 2 minute rule! Only allow for 2 minutes of travel and return at once. This should be stated befoe it is practiced. Another safeguard is recitation of Amitabha Buddha's name, or any Buddha's name, 3x's, along with the intention for practice and the reason for safeguarding yoru spirit. Don't think for once that it is a safe thing to do without a safeguard. Anything can influence you out there and even enter into your body when the spirit is out. Some changes are obvious, while others aren't. Safeguard the mind! -
Its funny you say that. Because even though our planet and those on it are subject to relativity, so are many realms within our universe, not just this planet. So what you are seeing is a progression of things manifest (changing). The eternal "no-thing" is not actually a "no-thing" but more of another progression of that manifestation playing out its relative conditions. On the superficial view, there is change, on the profound view, there isn't change. Both are still in the relative consciousness (so to say)
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It has been such a delightful discussion. I really appreciate the insight you brought and the points you made. Your patience and kindness is very much appreciated as well. Thank you so very much!
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That's why we have commentaries. If we were to read the Sutras straight up and awaken, there would be no need for commentaries. Even if we "Got it", assuming that we did without checking to make sure is just arrogant and shows insecurity. Commentaries offer the cultivator a deeper understanding of the teaching. It shouldn't be a commentary based on the views of such and such venerable one. If it is, than it isn't a wholesome commentary, and would most likely lead one off the right path of practice. A commentary isn't in one's view, preference. Rather it is an explanation of the teachings from a mind of non-discrimination, which should be in accord with the Dharma (teachings, essence of how the teachings are expounded).
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Not at all. Deities do not require worship and prayer to them, living beings assume that by doing so, they may get the good graces of these various gods etc. The Buddha offered a method of worship and contemplation to those who needed it. It was then the only way some people would practice. So the method was set up as an expedient means. Shakyamuni Buddha never would state that a god can save you. He taught and knew that only a cultivator can do it themselves, but a little help from a Buddha or Bodhisattva, God, etc, wouldn't hurt. That doesn't mean those beings GIVE you the salvation, it means they offer more teachings in which the cultivator has to work on themselves. Shakyamuni Buddha introduced various Buddhas and other gods because there is more to the universe than just this planet. Our world has been visited by beings from all over this universe, so why not understand who they are? Why not make a mental connection with them, intuitive connection, and try to contact them to learn more? It goes to say, some expedient means work for others, while some don't , thus other methods are presented. The Buddhism we see on this planet isn't all there is to it, the cultivation of the many traditions on this planet are not all there is. There is more, but that's only if the cultivator is open to it, meaning they have the capacity to comprehend the method. In the "end", Shakyamuni Buddha didn't settle in an incomplete dharma. He expanded the already settled tradition present within the culture which he manifested in, nd also went further to let people know that there is more indeed, and this is how you get there. Along your path, you will find more, different methods and here are the methods to guard your mind with so as not to be taken away from that wisdom path.
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Compassion is a state of non-separation. everything else is extra. As for ancient texts, we must understand much is written in cultivation context, it requires one to delve into the contemplative meditation side and drop the intellectual one. There will be need for a commentary on his work, and nothing can be taken from just a translation. This isn't a translation but a commentary: 倩 ε° δΈ δ» οΌ δ»₯ δΈ η© δΈΊ ε η οΉ ε£ δΊΊ δΈ δ» οΌ δ»₯ ηΎ ε§ δΈΊ ε η γ γ γ Heaven and Earth aren't humane when cutting off the aggressive mind. The sage has no compassion when detaching from the living beings as though cutting down the aggressive mind.. Heaven and Earth, are not humane, compassionate because the myriad things are illusory. Cutting off the aggressive mind is saying the mind of aggression is like a dogs. so heaven and earth aren't humane when cutting off the aggression of the mind. Translating as straw dogs means something that has no bark, no bite, non-movement and no influence. So we can say either cutting off the illusory manifestation of the mind, and or that the myriad things are illusory and thus useless. So they are saying here that the myriad things that come into being are simply illusory. Thus, there is no compassion needed when cutting off something that isn't real. Next, the sage isn't humane, compassionate because the detaches from the idea of there being other, other beings, or cutting off the attachment of being attached to others. So, a cultivator cuts off all attachments, all obstructions of their mind and is the least bit concerned with how he feels about it. It doesn't mean that the Sage is without compassion, it means that because one attaches to illusory things, how can you be compassionate when teaching them it is illusory? Sometimes a smack of the real wakes people up, sometimes it doesn't. usually one who is an Arhat would tend to be less involved with people and more concerned with their own cultivation. There is a story of an Arhat being so annoyed of the townspeople and mayor coming to visit him for advice, that in his annoyance made them all die on the spot. There is more to the story, but it runs briefly like that.
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Its totally cool to talk about Daoism and Buddhism in English because its the principles that cross culture and integrate with cultural lifestyles. The only trouble that one may get into is lack of understanding of the culture it manifested in prior to the one it mixed into . Meaning, if we get Daoism from China, and it integrates culturally into the western cultures, let's say America, then what we will need to do, in order to actually get the profundity of Daoism, is to understand China's cultural history, sociology and lifestyle first. Especially language and contextual uses of it. This way we can really get deep about understanding Daoism. With Buddhism, its understanding that before it manifested in India, it was simply just a cultivation method. If we see, there is only cultural influences of Buddhist education with India's indigenous culture so that the teachings may be accepted. It had nothing to do with a set manner of practice unchangeable to the masses. So if we want to understand Buddhism, on one hand we best learn the culture in which we are studying it from; be it India's cultural expression or China's, Japan's, Korea, or even South East Asia. And after that, maybe someone will get America's cultural expression of Buddhism and have to do the same thing. Religion, this word is funny...not in definition, but in context. For one, it is not religious, by means of both context and definition, to have a respect for other beings of other realms, or other manners of practice from other realms. The problem comes when with our methods we wish to "prove" the existence of these places and beings. Why must our methods of science be the only ones we can use to find out if these places exist? Why not just simply cultivate the mind and see for one's self? I mean, if I want to go to Mars, and find out what's going on there, why not just cultivate and develop strength in the method that allows me to go there? Its quite simple, but seems like no one wants to actually do the things that get them results on their own. Maybe some are afraid of having faith in themselves to actually get the answers from their own inner wisdom. :-)
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Human conditions are based on ignorant thinking. Enlightenment is simply because there is ignorance. Remove ignorance, and all that is left is wisdom. Nothing to do with evolution, and nothing to do with religion. We don't know why Lao Zi fled to the mountains. But in light that he awakened and decided solitary life is right for him, possibly he personally had felt done with relating to people. That may not be right for every one and for anyone cultivating the Way. Its just his preference.. Nope. Compassion isn't exclusive to humans. It is shown throughout all forms of living beings, and in any other "religion" out there. It is not exclusive to the Buddhist school of cultivation. And it isn't exclusive, or makes one become, a deity, etc. It only makes on become a really good person. :-) As for Compassion among beasts, hahaha we have that already. But you are looking at it from the expectation of fluffly cloud rabbits and happy sunflowers. Compassion is shown throughout the animal world, yet compassion doesn't mean everything is all happy and fluffy. It means that there is wisdom present, there is what is needed for that living being without the obstacles of greed, anger and ignorance. Compassion can be nice and sweet, and or hard and rough to deal with. Depends on the conditions in the mind of the living being at the time. Maybe they don't get it when you are nice and sweet to them, so you yell, and give them a scare they never expected. Then they turn straight on the path and properly cultivate.
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It is simple: Interdependence. Firstly: Hindu / Buddhist realms...just saying those names to keep a focus on the convo. Truthfully, none of those names exist in the "higher" levels of vibration because there is no discrimination of cultivation methods in terms of preference, only function, for example: A method that results in the transformation towards high level negatively functioning energy would be called, in our world, Demonic practices. That which results in the transformation towards high level positively functioning energy would be called Wholesome practices. When I said : Different names, different forms, different functions, and definitely transformation bodies of each other. hahahaha It gets so deep...and then, it is so obvious.- This refers to the function of these beings and how they create various differences just to appeal to living beings, in order to teach them. If you wanted to use this as a way to understanding one's own conditions, you would first need to realize that discriminating thinking will be the obstacles. These states that I speak of above, show the interdependence of all things.
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He did it!
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:-) People are the ones that make something to be dogmatic, for themselves, then push it on everyone. The Buddha's teachings kind of dispelled theneed to make people believe, and more so let people get it on their own , with a little commentary here and there...something to this effect ( and I wont quote exact words)... something equivalent to , i don't need you to defend the Dharma, and propagate against others. Just share it and hopefully something catches on. sometimes people mess things up... hahahahahaha Even I don't say, "Just because the Sutras say so..." It has to make sense to the cultivator, in both their logic and reason. What the Sutras say may all be true, but it wont be that way for every cultivator because each mind is of different capacities. This is why I can never say Buddhism is a religion at all, simply because there is a teaching within it that says to be very critical of the teachings. That means, even though one is to have faith in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, it is only possible if the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha of one's mind makes sense. Therefore, each teaching is an expedient means, a method made from the cultivator's mind which allows them to understand utilizing their own conditions.
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A Bodhisattva is : Bodhi- enlightened. Sattva: Sentient Being. Just for the sake of saying, a Bodhisattva is a being who has realized enlightenment. Then, does the work of teaching others with affinities for those teachings, to realize enlightenment as well. When it is said that a Bodhisattva forsakes attaining the complete and perfect enlightenment until all beings are awakened, it means that all beings they have affinities with of the world of their mind. After eons when the merit and virtue is complete, and a being of the Bodhisattva process has fulfilled those vows, they will realize complete and perfect enlightenment. When "Buddhahood" is realized, they will still appear as a Bodhisattva for those with affinities, and appear as a Buddha for those who have the capacity to comprehend that state (basically other Buddhas). Bodhisattvas will also appear as normal people to those who have not yet realized any , or even some, awakening. So, when we see vows that state the forsaking of complete and perfect enlightenment, it is the expression of the heart of great compassion of the beings who wish to teach and transform all living beings ...who have affinities with them (for it can only be done if there are conditions with the Bodhisattva(s). Over time, they will attain complete and perfect enlightenment. Just like Guan Yin, who became a Buddha a long long long time ago, and many other Bodhisattvas the same. They utilize the Bodhisattva appearance to teach those with affinities. The Bodhisattva is just a manner of saying there is a deep and profound compassion for all living beings. Yet, the state of such a mind is met with holding/completion of vows, sincerity of practice and awakening.
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It may be what you call religion, but it isn't religion at all...especially to the sense most people are aware of. If stating how many things are out there in the universe, and the many of them, as well as their workings are called religion, then modern day science is the biggest religious cult on this planet and the biggest hypocritical assuming ruling body of so called theories and facts to date. Buddhist cultivation may map out what is out there in other world systems, yet that doesn't mean people must believe it. Whatever is out there doesn't need anyone's belief/disbelief to be true, it will just be as it is. Also, regardless of what "Buddhist" call Lao Zi ('s) work, it doesn't change the manner inwhich Buddhist education is to be cultivated. That means, it is to be cultivated to the capacity of the cultivator. Just because things are said to be a specific way, doesn't mean it will appear that way for all. It don't have to. In regardds to the DDJ, yes it is a very basic concept of relativity for all living beings on this planet. A pretty damn good road map to get the mind and character straight so as to see the bigger picture, which many just fail to do. This "bigger picture" is spoken of in the DDJ, but it is unfortunately overlooked because it is the most difficult to accept. As for "proving", I'm not in need of doing that for anyone, let anyone do it for themselves. Each and every individual will experience what they do according to their mind, and the method. Just because it isn't the same for everyone doesn't mean those "things" seen or experienced are not there...and the other way around as well.
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Though science shows the process/progress of thing in this world, and seems to "prove" that what we speak in Daoism is "true" it actually can't "disprove" it, and even because it can't "disprove" it it still doesn't "prove" that anything we speak in Daoism is "true" Don't forget, Daoism is just a name of a manner of practice. It isn't the end all be all method at all. Buddhism is just a name of practice. Whether there are immortals, different gods, Buddhas, etc, doesn't make anything we cultivate limited by human's ideas of their own understanding. Modern science leaves out its other counter part the actual essence of how modern science became that way. its called mind, and in the old days those two things weren't separated, never thought to have to be separated, and thus never mixed together. They were just a whole science. Also, lastly, when the waya to "prove" something is denied actual use, why even bother? I can prove everything I say. The only problem is the method needed to do it will not be used sincerely, and thus the inquirer will be disappointed. My method, cultivation. :-) no faith in anything or anyone, just oneself and acceptance of leaving aside the discriminating mind, while sincerely practice the cultivation needed to function in order for the mind to 'open" (so to say) If there are any doubts along the way, its useless and shows insincerity.
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I wasn't talking about religion, I was talking about different realms and very briefly stating their inhabitants. Never said anything about the usual idea of what most people think these things are. The problem with conventional thinking is that it truly believes that anything involving things requiring a cultivation of the mind makes it a religion. As I have experienced, none of these things are religious at all. Only people have made them into a method of dependency and stagnation. That doesn't make Buddhism and or Hinduism, nor Daoism, and anything else limited by how the majority utilize them. truthfully, there is no such thing as religion. Only methods to awaken. How those methods are utilized are up to those cultivating them. If they feel a "religious" approach; kind of like what most people are familiar with, is necessary, then so be it. Any manner of its application doesn't lessen the wisdom and truth of what it actually is.
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HAHAHA Oh yes, the Hindu Realms and Buddhist Realms interplay simply because they are of each other in different vibrational levels manifesting for specific functions in different realms. Different names, different forms, different functions, and definitely transformation bodies of each other. hahahaha It gets so deep...and then, it is so obvious.
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Stiggy!!!!!
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--- similar post by accident...computer is a bit slow
