Rishi Das

Great insight, @SoverMan. One thought that comes to mind: let go and be absorbed by the longing itself. Be open to wherever that river of longing takes you. Let it move you, let it shake you, let it change and transform you.

nam nam nam nam nam...

I think what you're saying is completely fair and should be noted in the minds of all students sitting with teachers or potential teachers. We definitely shouldn't put down critical thinking when it comes to any of this. In my case, the teacher wasn't taking a position on lucid dreaming at all. It had nothing to do with lucid dreaming and everything to do with my selfish motivation and arrogant disposition. I probably could have been more clear about that in my original post.. I do concur that sitting practice seems to play its part in manifesting the experience of lucid dreams. I also think that mindfulness off the cushion plays its part. I think these things because I have never actively tried to be lucid during dream time, it just happens. I resonate with your statement that it takes years to understand what they say. I wonder if you seek that understanding actively (e.g. journal, contemplation, etc.)? If so, has that been valuable? In my case, I don't write about or actively contemplate them. I do find that they spontaneously appear back in consciousness, sometimes years later, as either confirmation to a new understanding or as additional information that leads to a new or more expansive understanding.

Thanks for sharing, Zen Pig. Your post brings me back to a time years ago when I was lucid dreaming and using that state and space to further explore meditation (i.e. I was consciously sitting in meditation in my dreams). At the time, I mentioned what I was doing to my teacher; he first laughed and then proceeded to upbraid me for it. To this day, he still pokes fun about it. *shrugs* I recognize now that it was just another form of spiritual materialism. A fancy new parlor trick if you will. In that way, it was selfish and desire seeking. Having said that, I do resonate and agree with your feeling that the western stuff is typically too self-centered; at least for me. My understanding now is that lucidity is the point and not what we do with it. Happy sitting. RD

Everything is good whether I think or tell myself I am already there... I think there is value in saying it depending on where the recipient falls on the spectrum of 'absolute' understanding. I think relationship over time allows two individuals to come together and form an agreed upon understanding of where each other falls on that spectrum of 'absolute' understanding. Is that perfect? No. Does it work, practically speaking? Some of the time. The clearer the communication and cultural similarity, the greater the chance it does work. I think in this context (dao bums) and with these participants (seasoned bums), saying it could lead to a greater depth of understanding and lived experience on the part of the recipient. In that regard, saying it is a blessing and teaching/reminder. Practically speaking, I think the added value comes from the change in perspective and lived experience one might experience upon hearing it. I think urgency is important but I also think that urgency is the vehicle. I see Bhakti and urgency as being very similar in that regard

OP introduced me to the Bhaja Govindam. Beautiful text. Thanks for sharing more of it. I enjoyed this brief story about it's composition, which I pulled from Wikipedia. Thought it was worth sharing here. "There is a story attached to the composition of this Hymn. It is said that Shri Adi Shankaracharya, accompanied by his disciples, was walking along a street in Varanasi one day when he came across an aged scholar reciting the rules of Sanskrit grammar repeatedly on the street. Taking pity on him, Adi Shankara went up to the scholar and advised him not to waste his time on grammar at his age but to turn his mind to God in worship and adoration, which would only save him from this vicious cycle of life and death. The hymn "Bhaja Govindam" is said to have been composed on this occasion. The composition consists of thirty-three verses. Besides the refrain of the song beginning with the words "Bhaja Govindam", Shankaracharya is said to have sung twelve other verses. Hence, the hymn bears the title "Dvadasamanjarika-Stotra" (A hymn which is a bunch of twelve verse-blossoms). The fourteen disciples who were with the Master on that occasion are believed to have added one verse each. These fourteen verses are together called "Chaturdasa-manjarika-Stotra" (a hymn consisting of fourteen verse-blossoms)." Sadgurunath Maharaj Ki Jai!

I'm in total awe of the process he's describing. His words and your description, @s1va, speak to me of Guru Yoga. Adi Shankara's words are pretty beautiful too. A couple of thoughts that come to mind...It's extraordinary how the presence of realization quite literally pulls the seeker into itself. At the same time, the seeker is absolutely responsible for their own growth. Far out! Thanks for sharing, s1va. EDIT: my apologies s1va - I originally called out and thanked neti neti as the one who created this thread.

Incredible letter! His words are powerful and carry me in so many directions. Thanks for sharing, 3bob.

@dawn90 Dare to be wrong. With Love, RD

dawn90, your posts in this thread read as though you're full of assumptions and magical thinking. Just sayin... To me, THIS ^ is worthy of more investigation. I'd go as far as saying that it is probably more important to focus on the above rather than worry about whether or not your 'back aura' is weak. As it stands, I personally wouldn't want to give advice on how to strengthen a 'back aura' to anyone who demonstrates that they may potentially utilize that strength in order to make others 'cower into submission'. Again, just sayin... I concur with the thelerner's recommendation here...METTA practice. With Love, RD

I've come to love the 2016 movie Arrival. I seem to fall harder in love with the film every time I watch it. Why? I dig it's focus on linguistics and the overall importance that the film places on communication. I enjoy it's flow and the non-linearity it presents. The symbolism littered throughout the film is wonderful and somewhat esoteric. I particularly like how the traditional dark vs. light imagery is reversed, suggesting that darkness is just the unknown and not to be feared. The way the film demonstrates linguistic relativity (language shapes the way we think) is pretty cool. The film also tugs at my heart strings by capturing the idea that it is better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all. Also, I just enjoy the way it leaves me feeling and the messages it brings to mind. The film speaks to me of the beauty of living in the here and now. It speaks to me of the beauty of human connection. It speaks to me of the importance of remaining open instead of rushing to paranoid self-preservation. It leaves me feeling optimistic and alive. All that said, it's a great flick from start to finish and one that I've thoroughly enjoyed watching on multiple occasions.

I'm on a 'see food' diet. I see it, I eat it. In all seriousness, throw out the rules and regulations and do what works best for you. How to know what works best? Be mindful of what you're ingesting and how it makes you feel.

Recently spent some time out in the Yosemite back country. Reflecting on the trip and feeling grateful. Top of Half Dome: Matthes Crest & Cathedral Peak:

What's it mean to you, Jeff?

That's a beautiful statement. It's a funny thing, this heart opening stuff.. The flesh is so raw and tender after pulling off the mask. We're left naked and feeling totally exposed. Integrity and self-honesty are imperative. Vulnerability is a must. Keep in mind that to be broken is to be human. You're perfectly imperfect just the way you are. The heart opens when we learn to love and accept ourselves. We can only love others as much as we love ourselves. I am no Guru but am always willing to listen. Take care.