林愛偉

I have had teachers like this. It is very...darkening to the mind and emotions. People like this seem to think that just because they are strong, or train their martial arts and have an idea on how to use it, that they are more superior. When you tell them otherwise, they try to distance themselves from you by complaining how ridiculous you sound, make you out to be crazy, and even make up stories about you. When you mention other people's names, they simply talk them down, thinking that they actually understand. Very condescending... In truth, simply fighting, or learning only the fighting methods, is quite ordinary, nothing special. Fighting in and of itself is just low level accomplishment. People can become very proficient in fighting, but lack any sense of spiritual, ( compassionate) humility that comes along from actual cultivation of the finer arts; Qigong, Chan, Shen Gong, etc. Hence why Taiji Quan , Bagua cultivators in the past had some kind of eloquence to them. THey had a mind of stillness, unmoved by the ideas of having to be a better person. Actually, I have met many proficient people in the arts out here in China. They don't speak bad of each other, and do not compare themselves to other people in the arts. Actually, it is known traditionally, that martial artists would learn from various teachers in their arts, or even choose other arts to become more diverse. In truth, you did nothing wrong, and in the false, you did nothing wrong. lol I used to feel as you have. Many years ago I experienced this very exact situation. I stayed in it, and learned its dynamics. Then I was able to learn how to defeat it. That happened when I realized that just because someone has a "Sifu" title, it doesn't mean there is anything "Sifu-ish" about them, nor does it mean they have some special insight, or wisdom, true and inherent wisdom. They just know how to fight, and that isn't anything special. So keep your head up, and the sooner you take it out of your heart, and put it out of your mind, you will realize how much you are empowering the situation in a negative way. Mostly, I'm sure the teacher will refuse to believe that his training methods are actually harmful, and not in accord to the health aspects of Chinese Martial Culture. Excuses like "its a martial art, you have to train for the reality of life..." and all that nonsense, is just a cop-out and it tries to make superior the person who says it; attempting to display the fearlessness towards hurting another, and or being hurt. Its quite kindergarten-ish behavior.

New "Expedient Means": "Understanding Merit and Virtue"

...and the underwear that is worn is not the cleanest afterwards.

Many teachers revel in these kinds of mindless devotion. When you start to think for yourself, they get angry, and try to discredit you. Some even try to assume that their outlook is the traditionalist way, and thus correct When in fact traditionalists, or the "old-schoolers", or ancients, always sought to inspire the student to think outside the box, figure things out for themselves, and develop their own mannerism of doing things according to the foundational principles. -This is the proper way, not the "my way is correct, and there is no other way to do it" attitude.

Yes, it can happen indeed. Though a human body, or a physical one, is very good for cultivation, some do not need it. It is dependent on the cultivator and their state of realization.

HAHA "No Sex, eh? Ok, Divorce." You know what I said, " Ok, divorce please." And I did indeed do it ! Happily. Now, I am married again, and my wife now is totally understanding and supports my practices.

Unfortunately, that is what is displayed in movies. That kind of practice is spirit possession, and not the kind I teach/practice. Shen, meaning spirit, is directly pointing to a more refined manner, meaning wisdom. Gong meaning practice. Thus, pointing to a manner of practice which results in the realization of one's inherent wisdom. Methods are the same as the application of the mind in Chan and the practices of Zhan Zhuang and intuitive movement. Intuitive movement is allowing the mind to stop the discriminating thinking, thus allowing the body to move in ways which result in healing, and strengthening. The mind, in turn, becomes more refined, meaning stronger in concentration, and less day dreaming, false thinking. This results in the realization of wisdom, and even the state of asking and receiving. Thus, what one wishes to know, they only need to get into that deep state of concentration, Samadhi, and investigate, contemplate, realize.

Shaolin learned martial arts from generals who either were exiled, and then went into hiding, and or retired, and lived their days cultivating. They then taught what they knew to the monks, and that was that. Later, the monks just didn't practice and became lazy. Then Bodhidharma came along, taught them some methods to increase their inner strength. Later on, both the ideas of Chan and movement were pieced together, and the Chan principles of non-discrimination were a focal point in Shaolin Martial Arts. THUS, the link between martial arts and cultivation isn't in how well you can kill, but how well you can control yourself from hurting another. The movements generally brought health and wellness, the cultivation amped up energy and increased the strength of the Shen of the person. This made it better to apply one self in Chan practice. Fighting was just an outcome of the methods, nothing more. And the more you practiced, the more proficient you became at the applications. Thus, becoming a protector of the Dharma through the method of self defense was created. -)

:-) Daoism didn't start with Lao Zi. The cultivation of the way was practiced long before Lao Zi, and in various countries throughout the world. It just so happens that the Chinese language has a word that describes a path, a way. It not really mysterious at all. A Dao Shi was one who cultivated the way, and taught it. Lots of terms came along later on. Mostly in the past, this manner of living in accords with nature, was called Fang Shi, lifestyle, a style of living.

There is the Shen Gong of being possessed by spirits, ghosts, demons, gods. Then there is the Shen Gong of cultivating to realize inherent wisdom, utilizing methods to learn from cultivated beings for wholesome practices. Also, this Shen Gong cultivates for the putting down of false thinking, and ending discriminations in the mind. Thus, allowing for the energy of the body to refine, the mind to refine, and wisdom to blossom. This method, when practiced with specific instructions, will allow the cultivator to listen without listening, so as to allow the body to free up stagnation through movement and standing, sometimes sitting, if applied that way. Lying methods are practiced as well. It is a high method of practice in that it focuses on putting down the internal dialogue, ending discriminating thinking. With this, attainment is "faster", than most other methods, but a foundation of practice is necessary to get anywhere with this method. Its all dependent on the cultivator, whether or not they "attain" anything quicker than most. The speed in which one attains is up to their mind, and nothing else. *** Added: I liken this method of practice to Chan Meditation.

Good luck, and don't think too much. Sometimes we think too much about something, when in fact, its not much of a big problem.

You are totally right! They may make statements like "your loss", or "weakling..." etc. But that is their problem, not yours. They will not pay for your medical bills, for Chinese or Western Medicine. So, don't feel bad. They may say how martial arts is about learning to take pain, etc, etc, etc... No, its not. Martial Arts, Chinese Arts, is about bettering yourself, living healthy, being educated, and cultivating the mind. The fighting aspect is inevitably learned, and anyone can do that. To be exceptional goes beyond conditioning the body to take hits. Exceptional is where you are no where to be hit. Circle walking will strengthen and refine evasive methods, and cultivate a twisting transitional energy in your strikes. Many methods within the circle walking, like technique and position, will strengthen the bones and muscles, as well as strengthen the internal organs. Further standing practices will raise one's skill level, and more circle walking will bring all the potential to a higher state. We have a lot of ordinary martial artists, and very few exceptional ones. Anyone can be a great fighter for fighting's sake, but very few will be exceptional, with exceptional skill as Dong Hai Chuan, Yin Fu, Sun Lu Tang, Wang Xiang Zhai, Huo Yuan Jia, Huang Fei Hong...meaning the exceptional ones from the last 100yrs. Take care of your body, understand that martial arts just isn't about how much pain you can take, how much you can endure in practice. Its about understanding your body, how you can do things without burning out, hurting yourself, and others, especially others; when hitting them. Since you feel the training is causing more pain, and more discomfort, that is your realization. You can not expect those who attach ego to their training to understand you. It will be your loss when you leave, but the loss is excessive pain and discomfort, which may lead to chronic health problems in the future. You will gain nothing but problems from those who view themselves as superior to everyone else just because they stuck through whatever they think is right. I learned by sticking with nonsense, ignorance, and egotism all throughout my Wing Chun training. Though I distanced myself from such ridiculous behavior, I was still a focus of the old teacher's desire to overtake my efforts and school. It didn't work, and now he doesn't like me. The truth can be difficult for a lot of people. You will have many enemies because you stand up for what is right. So, take the steps now to move on and away from such situations, and simply deal with the minor ridicule. It will go away on its own. :-) If I were to go back to when I began Wing Chun, instead of deciding to learn what these egotists know so I can defend myself against them in the future, I would have devoted all my life, as I do now, to Taiji Quan and Bagua Zhang. It is more "spiritually" focused, meaning focuses on personal cultivation, investigation of the mind, and refinement of the body in terms of movement and energy. All in all, those 3 are one. Now, I have augmented my Wing Chun to be more Taiji and Bagua esque. Still refining it. So for me, I will have to deal with the ignorance of those in my past. I hope no one has to do that, so follow your heart, and be straight up with yourself early on.

The hair, in old Daoist culture, was a sign of strong Yin qi, meaning the kidney qi was very strong, and balanced, that one had refined their jing, qi and shen. It was a sign of being able to live a long life. Tied up at the baihui point in a knot, was for one, to keep the hair from tickling the face during meditation, next was so no distractions in the face if there were to be a confrontation, and next was to stimulate qi to rise to the crown center by the pressure of the knot being a reminder to the practitioner to cultivate. It wasn't usually cared for the way society now pampers their hair. It was simply not washed for days, perhaps months. The reason was that showers were not easy to take, cold waters and no privacy. hahaha Also, showering too much opened the pores, and allowed for winds to invade the body.

Greetings! Some gods will be able to offer a teaching which will allow one to open up to their inherent wisdom. Other than that, they can not give one enlightenment. Lord Shiva is simply using an expedient to attract those with affinities to him/her. Then, when their roots of those affinities have been cultivated strong enough, they will meet Shiva, and thus learn the next stage in cultivation. The methods Lord Shiva uses are endless, and even during the process, a bliss state, or a state of tasting one's true wisdom may occur, but it is temporary. Once one is in the heavens, and they meet up with Lord Shiva, they will realize the expedient, and understand it's function; thus being able to move on to the next stage. Peace, Lin

Wow! remind me of the old kick-boxer movies with Jean-Claude Vandaaaaamn.( I spelled his name wrong, I know ) It doesn't matter what Shaolin monks were doing, or that you are studying a martial art and thus must take pain and learn to deal with it. The truth is, depending on what culture of martial arts one is training in, health is first and foremost. Bad health, can't practice. I would most definitely, and humbly suggest leaving that training center. I never heard of Chinese Martial Arts treating the practitioner without any regards for their physical health. Question, is the teacher non-Chinese? If so, figures. If he is Chinese, most likely believes that a hard body is more important, and well, he is missing the actual important aspect, which is health. There are many ways to skin a cat, and the more intense your physical training is, in terms of inflicting pain, the worse your health will become. Many ways to train a hard body with healthy practices. I had a teacher that used to say deal with the pain. Then I saw that he himself needed knee surgery, stents in his heart, and had heel-spurs, and not to mention several times needing serious invasive methods to remove kidney stones. Thus, I altered how I practiced, augmented the forms and techniques I learned. I felt better, and still do, but the result is the opposition from the old teacher; and the best way to deal with it is, Not give a rats ass about it. The other result is a much healthier mind and body. Take care of your body. Once it starts to wane, you will not be able to train diligently, intensely and for long term. *** Are you using any Dit Da Jiow (Die Da Jiu)? Please tell me you are at least using that...lol

Greetings! This link will bring you to the previously aired programs of Expedient Means. If you scroll down, you will find the show called "Buddhism/Daoism" It is a discussion on how they are not so different...lol Expedient Means

Thank you. I hope it brings good things.

Death and Rebirth http://timemonkradio.com/threads/expedient-means.269/#post-1741

The difference is in the end stages, as well as the beginning intentions. Brief example: In Buddhist cultivation, there is no worrying about this and that energy. It becomes known that the energy will cultivate to its high potential on its own given that the mind is cultivated accordingly. Hence, if done wholeheartedly, one attains the fruit of Bodhi, jumps off the wheel (attaining immortality)and completing their unsurpassed realization of wisdom. Thus, the process, for some, will be faster than the Daoist cultivation methods. In Daoism, if the teachings of putting down the inner dialogue, ending discriminating thinking, is taught in the beginning, then the cultivator will find himself "attaining"results faster than those who were just taught other methods first,l like the various qigong practices. Also, in Daoism, most assume that feeling the energy, attaining some type of power is a marker for progress. Most times than not, the seeking of a sensation, state and or ability overtakes the real purpose for cultivation, and leaves the cultivator chasing, and creating more views about how things are. This, in Buddhist cultivation, is not a focal point, and in the manner of attaining powers, etc, it is known as an inevitable outcome to applied concentration, and an outcome of opening up to inherent wisdom. There is more to compare. There is the total misunderstanding of indulging in one's emotional desires in the "New" Daoism, letting one's urges, without hindrance, do as they please. In the "new" Daoism, people seem to think that controlling the emotions and mind is not natural; that letting things just be as they are experienced is the natural way.In truth, it is not. The experiences that seem to just be, are caused by the mind and attachments to views, hence, even the experience is not real. Buddhism and Daoism both cultivate the way. Both have cultivators falsely assuming powers mean wisdom, or sagehood. There is one "Way". That one "Way" is the world without views, attachments. It is the way of the overall essence of all things, the thus nature of all things. It is not a "manner"of living, it is not a "manner of practice"in which the thing you do means you are cultivating for the attainment of the "Way". Some assume just because they practice a set of breathing exercises, that they are Daoist. Some think just because they read a Sutra, they are Buddhist. Many fail to realize that energy and mind are of the same source, and are the same thing. Both are on the relative realm. Light, energy and all that "energy work"talk is just more relative thinking, false thinking, and only superficially touching the surface. What is the lifestyle of the Cultivator of the Way? One who adheres to the methods which liberate them self from false thinking, false views, and grasping. One who adheres to the method (Way) of practice which results in the realization of their true mind, wisdom. Not every Cultivator of the Way is correct just because they are either left home, and or practicing a Qigong. Not every Cultivator of the Way follows the same practices in order to attain the fruit of their practice. Not every Cultivator of the Way actually cultivates for the wholesome paths that result in attaining wholesome results. When putting both Buddhist and Daoist practices together, they fit very very well. In Daoism, after attaining a lifespan of 10,000yrs, seen as immortality, one may not wish to continue cultivation, and live on their blessings of practice. In time, it will waste away, and they will be reincarnated, or karmically create another body according to the vibration of their mind. If they continue cultivating, because they realize they still have a view of a self, and attachments to a personality, they will find the teaching that result in the putting down of false views, and purification of karma. Resulting in realizing Buddhahood, the immortal attains true immortality, and wisdom unsurpassed. On Earth, there is too much identification on which method is more superior, and less focus on actually breaking through the facade of the expedient, and attaining realization. On higher realms, the terms and ideas we hold of Daoism and Buddhism, don't exist. It is as though those out there in the higher, more cultivated/refined realms laugh at how us humans can't grasp the fundamental principle of what an expedient is, and thus wait till we get it one day. When we, if we, end up in those higher realms, those views we held about which is better, which is proper, etc, will have no ground, simply because the view is false. Its not about which one is better, or correct, its all about actually finding out if the method is resonant with your mind, and then actually practicing it till the day you die. Grasping for powers, sensations, states over the actual true mind is just more false thinking and attachment. It would be better to actually be able to come and go as we please first, then do all the extra stuff. Its likened to people buying a beat up used car, and putting a really nice sounding stereo system in it. They drive around as though they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, but in truth, its still a crappy car that's not worth more than the stereo system. People treat their lives like this in cultivation. The body is still turbid, the mind is still deluded, and they put on fancy clothes to practice a method of energy cultivation, whether it be anything in the coined term Qigong, or even in Buddhist recitation practices. They may look good on the outside, but in truth, they are not getting anywhere. You all could say I am wrong, and bring up historical writings, but that still won't change the fact that in the end, none of these comparisons will mean anything. It will all come down to putting down false views, and refining(purifying) the mind. All the worries about this yang qi and that yin qi, this meridian, and that pressure point, this chakra and that kundalini will mean absolutely nothing. Peace and Blessings. Namo Yin Tuo La Ye! Lin P.S.: Yin Tuo La Ye means: Lord Shakra, The Jade Emperor, who is also a Dharma Protector, and the Judeo-Christian God, G-D, and Lord Allah Blessed Be.

I agree with a lot of your points, but for the vinegar tasting painting. That is a relative expression of how people view the teachings of the 3 sages,it isn't touching on the core of the teachings at all, only the expedients used to point to the true mind. The painting fails to point directly to the non-discriminating mind, and only emphasizes the expedients used to break through the discriminating mind. Unfortunately, even that is misunderstood.

It is made from legitimate, traditional movements. The inner methods, or xin fa, is still Taiji Quan.

I had put this in the Buddhist category, but felt that it would get lost there. Sorry for the repost. Greetings All, Attached you will find an English version of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony. It is a practice in Pure Land Buddhist Cultivation which offers those who passed on, no matter where they are, to hear the Buddha's teachings and hopefully result in their being reborn in the Buddha's Pure Land. It is a very powerful practice. I will soon speak about many of the experiences I have had while performing this in large groups and personally. Enjoy! Peace and Blessings , Lin Ai Wei Thrice_Yearning_Ceremony_Handbook.pdf

Many are stuck on views of Pure Land as a worshiping practice, something like Judeo-Christian practices, and also many believe the Pure Land is just an intermediary state. Too many false views about something they really don't know much about, hinders them from a very profound practice. Many fail to realize the expedient, and the function. Rather, they see what their ego feels is a threat to its existence. Hence the Buddha said its the most easiest method, and the most hardest to believe.

Yun Shui Chan XIn... hahaha nice isn't it?

Re-Capping Events 1 Over the years of my practice of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, I have experienced many profound instances. Some have been very direct, even when not performing the ceremony, but more as a request to do the ceremony. A request made by those who have passed on. On one such instance, while in China, I was visited by a relative. Before the beginning of the Lunar New Year, a passed-on relative came to me. I first felt a body-less presence, then turning to its direction, there he was. He asked to go to his grave site, and perform the ceremony for him and thousands more who have passed on in the village. Some were killed in war, some multi-national. He asked me to look around our home and see the family members who passed on. Some were just hanging around, suffering in their place of confusion, many were distraught as to not being sure what was going on, as though they didn’t know they were passed on, out of their body. Without question, I agreed, and on the day of the Lunar New Year, I grabbed my book, and walked over to his grave site. When I arrived there, there was a faint light over the grave site. Then I looked out over the fields of crops that lay out over acres of land; shadowed by large hill tops and trees, and a vast spread of the sky. It was a magnificent site indeed. I proceeded to light incense and utilize the Jeweled conch hand and eye, as usual. Suddenly, without wasting one moment, the whole entire area was full of those passed, Dharma protectors, dragons, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. If I was able to take a picture, it would look like a mass of pastel colors in human body shapes. Some had no specific shape and were manifest as a large radiating mas of energy, but did indeed speak. Their speech is of no language, but they utilize the vibrations of thought and emotion that humans are familiar with in order to communicate with them telepathically. Not all who have passed on can do this. Only those with some skill, or better said, energy. I looked out to the sky while performing the ceremony. It too was occupied with beings watching over us, creating a dome-like manifestation of energy as a protection from mischievous ghosts, mountain spirits, demons, etc. Of course, there were demon-like beings partaking in the ceremony. All are welcome, so it didn’t make much of a difference as long as they didn’t try to mess around with the practice. Everyone must follow the rules of conduct and practice, so no one was out of line. We all continued with the practice, and throughout the 40 minutes, there was no outside sound, no dogs or cats running by, no birds flying over head. It was just a silent sanctuary of the most penetrating and thunderous roar ever heard. Towards the end of the ceremony, many lifted off into door-like portals over their heads. Some disappeared right in their place, others still remained, but the majority of the thousands that participated did indeed find their way to freedom. I glanced back at the grave site as I finished the transfer of merits and virtue, and peered out at the large expanse of land in front of me. Many had cleared away, and as I finished the last phrases, and closed the ceremony, those in the skies waited for me to be on my way before they themselves returned to wherever they were prior to the ceremony. On the grave site, my relative stood there pleased. He smiled, nodded, and faded into the space around him. A light hue of bright energy over took the grave site and the whole expanse of land. It appeared to be a reassurance that many did indeed fulfill their vows during the ceremony, and went on their way to the Pure Land. I then made my way home, but before I did, I gave a deep bow to those in the skies watching over the ceremony. Pleased, they disappeared instantaneously as I lifted up my head with palms together. Leaving in their places a hue of a stream light. The walk home was brief, but the road was lit up as though street lamps were shining upon it. That evening, the air was very crisp and cool, of course it was a cold day, but unusually pleasant for 0 degree weather.