林愛偉

Thai monks would be of the Theravadan Tradition. You see! Its everywhere. When in a time where the world's society builds on sensations bodily, and mentally, desires are hard to control. It takes a strong will to subdue these things in this day and age. I am glad the monk was dis-robed and refused to enter the Sangha again. Peace, Lin

No one is a "Bozo" here friend. If you look back, most of this conversation on the thread was with you. Let's not generally point a finger at the crowd now. If I missed something you were saying, it most likely was because clarity in explaining yourself wasn't there, and or I may have been reading too fast and didn't comprehend very well. For the sake of saying so, I may have read too fast. This thread has carried on for so long, maybe we have all misread your words. But I doubt it. Lin

http://www.yiguandao.com/main.htm http://www.gio.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=18938&a...2602&mp=807

Brother, who told you this? Sanctioned by China doesn't mean they are "real" Daoist priests. If it is sanctioned by the Chinese governing body of religious affairs, it is most likely someone dressed up like a Daoist, teaching Daoism, and or a Daoist priest who has been politically educated on the stances of the Chinese gov. Its like the phrase which says a "foreigner" cannot understand the inner meaning of Gong Fu." This was believed by Chinese on mainland for ever, and still up till the now its the same. Not everyone believes it, but many still do. It created the air that if a Chinese person wasn't teaching Chinese gongfu, its not real gongfu. Strange but true. Of course that lie is fading away, but with all the commercialism of "Chinese" Martial arts now, gov. sanctioned martial FORMS are being taught, not real gongfu, which holds to Cultivation of Health, Asceticism, Application, Philosophy, Culture and Conduct/Virtue/Morality. Some, Not all. But Daoism is the most oppressed religion and practice in China. In every big touristy temple, there is an office for a gov. official to oversee all the activities of the monks. If anything looks remotely "strange", the monks get reported, and from there, I can only imagine what happens. Which I don't want to imagine. There are non-sanctioned Daoist and Buddhist temples in China still. They get no money from the gov to help rebuild, and they are very poor. They are not touristy in any way, and thus get no money from the gov. BUT they are full out cultivation only schools. No nonsense cultivation. If one were to visit and stay for a few days, and not practice with the monks (mainly Buddhist), you would have to leave regardless of your enjoyment of the scenery and or your own practices. Some cultivators who have left China, and made it big in other countries as a figure head for Chinese culture would possibly get respect from the Chinese gov. just as long as they stay outside of mainland. Almost all gov. sanctioned temples still bear the eye of the gov. to an extent. A lot of factors are involved, but I wouldn't stay away from a non-sanctioned temple. If their teachings make sense to logic and reason, no problem. I personally wouldn't trust anything supported by the Chinese Gov. There is usually a motive behind them, and there always is. I personally wouldn't go to a gov. sanctioned temple just because it bears the support of China and has a lot of money behind it. I rather go to the poor guy on the corner living in a wet and soiled box who seems to be content with his conditions. Being sanctioned doesn't mean one is "the real deal". There are gov. supported monks in both Daoist and Buddhist schools out in China where they get paid to live at the temple a few days, and then go home to their wife and kids. Some heads of temples enjoy the payroll and live in the temple doing nothing but drinking tea all day and wearing robes as a show for the tourists. Oh, and these temples out in NY, that are not sanctioned, are fully working temples to what I was told. Meaning they are cultivating there, and teaching proper Daoist teachings...just without the name brand of Wu Dang or Bai Yun Guan of Beijing. Some are only teaching cultivation methods of the Daoist school without a particular school affiliation like Quan Zhen, and Zheng Yi. I met some of these people, and they are fine cultivators who if they had a working Way Place...Fugghedaboudit! There are Buddhist and Daoist temples in America and around the world not sanctioned by the Chinese gov as well, and they are just fine without it. So in searching for Daoism, don't look for the brand names that have taken Daoism commercially. No sanction doesn't mean just a shrine and bowing. That's kind of what you find in gov. sanctioned temples in China...all over the place. Peace and Blessings, Lin

A Quick story: I was called-out by a Tibetan group one morning requested by their Shifu that he wanted to see me. So I went and him and I talked for 2and a half hours about Buddhism. His close disciple was in the room, and at one point directed to me to take refuge with his Shifu. I told the Shifu that with all due respect, but Taking Refuge with the Triple Jewel is already enough in order to study Buddhism properly. The Shifu looked at me with the most kindest eyes and requested me to be a teacher at his disciple's Way Place. I humbly turned down the offer three times as I was asked three times by the Shifu. He also wanted me to represent his particular school in America, but I turned it down as well. The disciple insisted that I take refuge with his Shifu, 3 times as well. I refused with the same response. The Shifu and I continued with our talk on Buddhism, and we parted ways with him giving me his recitation beads and a picture of him and his Shifu, as well as a touch on the head by his hand and a statue of a cremated monk whose body, when burned, had formed a statue of himself in bone, and lastly with 3 bows I gave him in respect to him and his kindness and compassion. He is certainly a wise being covered in a tradition which is full of bureaucracy. The students of the Shifu were confused, but respected their teacher's wish of me teaching at their Way Place. But I refused because of the politics involved when it came to the disciples accepting me as a teacher at their place. The point is that for "some" reason, disciples of a Tibetan Shifu one, more times than not, come across as fanatical. In China, the Secret School of Tibetan Buddhism is full of power seekers, and egotists, yet there are many who are great people, compassionate and caring. There is always a little of both in every school of cultivation. This is why I say research the school, teacher thoroughly before heading into a "group" with such a history of secrecy in conduct from its followers. A Buddhist school shouldn't have followers, but investigators. Straight up students who investigate what the teacher expounds and looks to see if it makes sense to the Dharma. If it doesn't make sense, it may not be a wholesome school of Buddhist education. Peace and Blessings, Lin

Now, I know I was being harsh with my statement. But that doesn't mean that even if one takes refuge in the Shifu/Master, along with the Triple Jewel, that they won't receive good teachings. Its just that traditionally, without culture, and or religion behind it, entering the door of Buddhist Education is without ceremony, just a proper accepting and upholding vows in accord with the mind of the Buddha, the teachings of that mind, the Dharma, and with the morals and conduct in virtue of the Sangha. That was basically it. Anything else added to it is going abit too far...really. THoguh there is a ceremony for Taking Refuge, it isn't without its function. And the Shifu expounding the rpecepts to the laity is only a boat assisting in "crossing over to the other shore". He/She would actually know this already, so the view of upholding the view of ego is a bit lessened...to an extent...I mean, some people still get their kix off of expounding the Dharma. With this said, i would add that a lot of sex scandals do tend to happen within the Tibetan Buddhist Sangha. And it gets covered up unbelievably, I wouldn't doubt it at all. I know monks who have been hurt health wise and mentally from their Tibetan Shifus. Not a nice scene, and it is difficult to get them to speak up because it has turned into a literal Religious Bureaucracy. Like I said, originally, Buddhism wasn't a religion, but an education and was observed and seen as one, until 200 somewhat years ago when it became overwhelmed with much added superstition. I do apologize for my harshness to those of the Tibetan Buddhist Expedient. There are those who are not egocentric maniacs in the school, and there are. It is best to have good eyes, and a clear mind. If not, research until your eyes bleed wisdom. Peace and Blessings, Lin

If you contact some Buddhist Temples in NY city, they may tell you how to get to some of the Daoist temples upstate NY. I recently found out that there are a few hundred Buddhist Temples upstate NY and a few ...many, Daoist temple up there as well. I didn't get their exact contacts but they are there indeed. Possibly try googling Dharma Drum Mountain, and ask for their contacts and what not. Once I return to NY, I will be visiting those Daoist and Buddhist templles there indeedy Peace, Lin

Peace Lin

Well, here is a brief description: Taking Refuge with the Triple Jewel is simply taking refuge with one's on original mind. There is only the taking refuge of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Anything else would be an outside path. The taking refuge isn't like confirmation in Catholicism. It is simply you directing the mind back to its source with wisdom. Taking Refuge with the Buddha, is surrendering to your original nature. Taking refuge with the Dharma is having faith in the teachings of great wisdom which are inherent in all living beings, and Taking Refuge with the Sangha is to put faith in the community of Buddhist Left-home cultivators in that they too will attain Buddhahood, and be supported to teach all living beings how to do the same. Then there is the taking of the 5 precepts/vows. Which are seen as guidelines to keep the mind straight, assist in contemplation and investigation of the mind, and make sure that one doesn't perform those things which create more Outflows- Karma. Taking Refuge in anything else is an outside path. Peace and Blessings, Lin

What works way faster than Qigong is Chinese Herbal medicine and Acupuncture. I say go for that, and stick to that ontop of your Qigong practice. If there was no Qigong for you, Chinese Herbal Medicine would do the job very fast. Not a few days to knock it all out and correct the liver and emotions, but at least it will correct a great amount of the problem fast, and make things more bearable. Peace, Lin

Brother, don't start pointing fingers at what is more realistic than the other. Plain and simple, what is sought to be real is still a view. And thus, it is false. Sorry, but Daoism only gets so far, especially when only getting it from books from people looking to make a quick buck. Out here, the Daoisits that are still around, sit and meditate, and don't bother with which school is better. They equally respect eachother, because Buddhist or Daoist, the only thing unrealistic is the mind. Cultivators of the way realize this and utilize methods, not ego and arrogance. It is best to correct this view before others start on the arrogant Daoist bandwagon, because it sells really fast. Seriously, its unfortunate, but there is a market for Daoist practices out there... when there is a market rest assured practices get watered down and views are sold. Don't believe every thing you read on Buddhism and Daoism. Cultivate. So with Daoist cultivation, it is great, yet at a point one has to purify the Heart/Mind, or they will just get stuck where they are, or turn into demons. Peace and Blessings, Lin

It is best to follow your instincts though. From what I have researched personally, been told by people first hand, and have experienced first hand, Today's Tibetan Buddhism, not all of it, but a great many schools, don't represent the Buddha Dharma in a more wholesome manner. Many people have bought into the "Guru" name, and the put - on - a pedestal teacher, with a vale of secrecy that separates more than unifies. Research, ask questions and trust your instincts. Peace and Blessings, Lin

Digging Caves to Cultivate the Tao By Liu Jinsong Special to The Epoch Times Jun 25, 2007 The steep slope of Hua Mountain, one of the best known Taoist mountains in China. (Source: www.minghui.org) The steep slope of Hua Mountain, one of the best known Taoist mountains in China. (Source: www.minghui.org) Hao Datong, one of the Seven Supreme Taoists in Quanzhen Taoism, is well known in China. He once traveled to Wozhou in today's Hebei Province in northern China. There he sat still in meditation under a bridge for six years. During that time, naughty children made fun of him but he was not bothered. The children even piled stones on top of his head yet he was still not disturbed. When the river rose he did not leave but nonetheless remained safe. That is to say, he was a person with high tolerance and supernormal abilities. Digging Caves in the Mountain Hao Datong was a disciple of Wang Chongyang, the master of Quanzhen Taoism. After Wang Chongyang passed away and became a Taoist god, his seven disciples separated from one another and traveled around. Hao Daotong went to various places and survived by begging for food. One day Wang Chongyang descended into the human realm in the form of a young adult and told Hao Datong that only by digging caves in a mountain and cultivating in them could he reach enlightenment. Hao Datong followed his teacher's words and went to Hua Mountain in central China. He spent three years digging the steep western slope. While digging the cave, two disciples began to follow him: Meiliang and Zhuqing. These two disciples helped Hao Datong dig the cave and worked very hard. Hao Datong was also responsible to them. When they completed the cave, they named it Purple Rose Cave and prepared to cultivate in it. Unexpectedly as soon as Purple Rose Cave was finished, an elderly Taoist monk arrived and said, "Your cave looks very nice. I do not know how to dig a cave; can I borrow this cave to cultivate here?" Hao Datong agreed and gave the cave to him. The two disciples became upset but could not do anything since their teacher had already agreed. Hao Datong and his two disciples went to another part of the mountain to dig a cave. As soon as the second cave was finished, another fellow Taoist came and asked for it. In this way, one cave after another, Hao Datong and his two disciples gave away the caves they dug. Hao Datong and his disciples spent more than 40 years digging, completing 70 caves, but they still had no place to settle for their cultivation. "The Rock of Turning Hearts" Hao Datong led his two disciples to a cliff on Hua Mountain called Nieniechuan. He asked his two disciples to hold a rope with which he lowered himself down the cliff to dig a cave on the side of the cliff. These two disciples had originally planned to follow Hao Datong to cultivate themselves into Taoist gods but throughout the years, they only helped Hao Datong dig caves to give away to other people while learning nothing about the Tao. They wanted to quit, but they did not want Hao Datong to see them leave. Since Hao Datong was down the cliff, the two disciples thought it was a good opportunity to leave. They cut the rope, leaving their teacher down on the side of the cliff and immediately left with their belongings. As they walked away, passing a boulder, they saw Hao Datong walking nonchalantly towards them. The two disciples immediately realized that their teacher had reached enlightenment, and so they felt great regret. Seeing their regret, Hao Datong once again accepted them as disciples. That boulder was later named the "Rock of Turning Hearts." Hao Datong took his two disciples to Southern Heavenly Gate at the southern peak of Hua Mountain and started to dig a cave there. One day, while Hao Datong was sitting inside the cave, he passed away to became a divine Taoist god. Thus this cave was not completed, and was later named the "Unfinished Cave."

Mostly Tibetan Buddhist students act a bit fanatical towards their teacher, all because they are supposed to take refuge with 4 Jewels in Tibetan tradition. They are; The Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, and the Teacher. Tibetan Buddhism, to a great extent, has been a great commercialism in every country. I would say, if you have to go, go. If you don't, then by all means don't. For me, the whole Tibetan Buddhism notion of taking refuge with the teacher is a big big big Red light for me. Its not really proper. And the students do push the teacher in the spotlight, and the teachers usually eat it up. I don't bash other practices, or other schools of cultivation. I simply look directly and investigate. Thus my brief comment above. Peace and Blessings, Lin

I like where ths is going: http://www.livevideo.com/video/ConspiracyC...e-no-cures.aspx Its called , "Psychiatry, No Science, No Cures. ENJOY! Peace, Lin

A cave is all Earth; minerals and the like. In the summer it is cool, in the winter, it is warm- not really too warm, but warm. It is stable, and unmoving, mountains. Cultivating such would keep the mind still, heart unmoved, and all things observed would not be chased. It is rock, a formation, hard and protruding out from the ground, Yang! It is very high in energy, and will enhance one's cultivation while in stillness of meditation, and or practicing Qigong/Shengong. Just being on a mountain uplifts one's energy and mind. Imagine if one was purposely cultivating. Peace, Lin

Quotes Stigweard, "SKFOCL = Slaps knee falls off chair laughing"

Constant one on one attention a few times a week. Mind is first and foremost. If it isn't taken into account, the effects are temporary. There is a lot of patience needed on both parts. I ask only one question when an ill person comes to me: Do you want to live? Peace and Blessings, Lin

Given that most semi-famous to famous temples in China are tourist attractions....that is one reason. The temples and caves that are dirty, are most likely not gov. extorted. Peace, Lin

In regards to Karma; MS, Breast Cancer, Broken Bones, various diseases, Kidney Dysfunctions; dialysis, kidney stones, Liver poisoning; even at the level when the body swells up and kidney function has ceased, Comatose patience...I can go on...BUT all of these can be corrected with the proper mind and Qigong cultivation. Peace and Blessings, Lin

My wife had psoriasis when I met her. After herbs, and one treatment of acupuncture, as well as changing her diet from drinking milk, eating fried foods, sugary foods, too salty and spicy of foods, her body changed. The most important change was her views of the world; her life and society, changing of her atitude and character.... And now she has no trace of any symptoms of psoriasis, no problems whatsoever. It has only been 2 and a half years. After we met, and she began to change things without Qigong practice, just diet and characteristics, things changed fast indeed. She only drank herbal medicine 3 times, meaning 3 separate times and for 2 weeks each time, in the 3yrs we have been together. She doesn't practice Qigong. Fixing diseases, cancers, etc, begins with the mind first. All the Qigong and medicine without the mind cultivation, will only fix the surface. The potential for the problem still lies in the karma of the mind until the mind is changed. Qigong will raise one's energy to a great level where as their sickness/diseases will be lighter and able to be altered in the body. Yet the root of the disease is still in the mind, and that is what must be cut out. Its like preventative medicine. One can clean the organs, and fix the energy in the body, but if the habits aren't changed, the sickness will arise again eventually. Thisis why Hua Tuo, the great Chinese Medicine Dr., stopped doing surgery. He saw that people didn't change their ways, and thus were wasting the function of being cured. Qigong can help a great deal, and I am all for it, yet it is incomplete unless there is a change of mind. Peace and Blessings, Lin

Here's another good one...sorry I can't embed it in the post: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_cf00XMTU1NDc3MDQ=.html

Greetings Everyone, I have some news on my plans for next year. As you all know, some of you, I have been planning on establishing a cultivation center. It has been 17ys in idea, and the last few months things have been coming to fruition. In late Jan-mid Feb of next yr 2008, I will be coming to NY to see family, students and friends as well as look at land upstate NY to build on. Briefly, this center will not be commercial based. While I am there in the NY area, mainly Staten Island, I was thinking on hosting a group meeting for cultivation practice. Question and answer lecture, mantra study and cultivation of meditation and Qigong. I do not have a big enough place for the meet, but I can prepare one, possibly. If any one is in the tri-state area or somewhat close, I would love to travel and work with the group for a weekend. Donations are good, but the whole weekend is basically free of charge. I am not looking to make a self-profit. Otherwise, I'll be in NY from Jan. 17 or 18th till about Feb. 20th. Please let me know if anyone is interested in creating a group for it. No prerequisites for it at all, and one doesn't need to believe in Buddhist or Daoist teachings to participate. It is not a religious meet whatsoever, and there will be an open forum basically for answering all types of questions on anything which the person desires to ask. I am thinking both days of Sat and Sun. 6-8 hrs both days for various times of meditation, recitation, mantra study, Qigong practice, question and answer lecture. Of course with breaks in between, but it will be a strict two days of honest and intense cultivation. Please email me personally with ideas on where we can set up a group and meet, as well as requests for topics and the like. I will then email and post information regarding what will be cultivated in terms of mantra, meditation, and Qigong. Note: This will not be a time for ability demonstrating, for no one should come with the mind of commercializing this event. email: [email protected] Please let me know before december if there will be a place available, and atleast before Jan. on how many people would like to be attending. I will be posting updates in this thread as time goes on. Looking forward to meeting the lot of you all. And remember, this is free...if there are any donations, (any,) they will directly go towards building a center upstate NY. Unfortunately, they are not tax deductible, for I have not yet established a non-profit org. Its hard to do while I'm in China..lol Peace and Blessings... Lin

Happy 21st b-day to your son Steve. next time I'm in NY I hope we can meet for tea...and maybe push hands Peace and Blessings, Lin